Coronation celebrated in streets, parks

THOUSANDS of people took to the streets and parks of the Yate and Sodbury area to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

Schools also held their own celebrations around the event, and used it to learn more about the royal family and monarchy.

The biggest event in the area was Chipping Sodbury’s Coronation Big Lunch.

Broad Street was closed for the event on Sunday May 7, and thousands of people filled the street to take in the bands, entertainment, stalls and atmosphere.

The Big Lunch team had decided to turn over their annual fund raising gathering to a Coronation celebration after the huge success last years' Platinum Jubilee Big Lunch.

One of the organisers, Alexandra Dent, said: “It was a wonderful fitting way to celebrate 10 years of the Big

Lunch in Chipping Sodbury.

“It felt like the whole town came out to mark the coronation and enjoy the fabulous free entertainment we were able to put on in our beautiful High Street.

“We are grateful for the grants and financial support we received as well as the help of lots of people on the day.

“A special thanks to all our Big Lunch committee who worked so hard to put on such a great day for the whole town to enjoy.”

The Big Lunch project helps less well off people in the town – and organisers said they especially wanted to make sure that despite the cost of living crisis, everyone had a chance to join in.

On the same day the Friends of Kingsgate Park welcomed Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Roger Deeks to the park in Yate to mark the completion of the park's new structure, carved by local woodwork artist Andy O’Neill.

The Vice-Lord Lieutenant, representing the King, met with Andy, the Friends, town councillors and people who had suggested designs.

Sue Swanborough, of the Friends, said: "He was so excited by the carving and said that he knew the King would love everything this commemorative bench represents - the eco theme, the images and all the amazing volunteers, plus the ‘upcycling’ of a fallen tree in the park.

"He also handed to our Mayor, Cheryl Kirby, a message that he had been authorised by the King to present to projects that embrace the King’s values. This will be framed and a copy will be on show in Kingsgate Park."

Among the schools which held celebration events were

Raysfield in Chipping Sodbury, Tyndale in Yate, and North Road and Iron Acton primary schools, who held a joint procession along Iron Acton High Street.

Iron Acton executive head teacher Mike Riches said: "The children wore their crowns, waved flags and played instruments as they walked together in celebration."

At Raysfield, children and staff dressed up in red, white and blue or Kings and Queens for the day, while at Tyndale children worked "incredibly hard" to learn the National Anthem using sign language and performed it as a whole school.

Deputy head Luke Crouch said: "Our children loved decorating plates to mark the occasion, making their own crowns, getting into the celebration with themed music, cupcakes and biscuits."